The newest entry in VW’s North American lineup clearly shows its German lineage with its VW grille which, along with the headlamps, differ greatly from the Chrysler vans.

The overall shape of the seven-passenger minivan strikes a middle ground between the curves of past-generation Chrysler minivans and the boxy profile of the 2008 model that has received mixed reviews. If you were looking for the VW Eurovan or Microbus to be resurrected, you will be disappointed.

But the silhouette of the Routan does have contemporary lines and a sexier roofline than the Chryslers, down to the rear spoiler. VW designers softened the squared back, although where the tailgate meets the load floor, inset from the rear bumper, looks to be the same.

A VW Minivan for Under $25,000

We expected top-notch materials in a high-end minivan from VW, and are surprised to learn the German automaker will offer an economical entry with a starting price under $25,000 (the cheapest Chrysler starts at $22,470, the lineup tops out at $36,400). But the center stack in our first look at the Routan reminded us of old-school Chrysler.

The Routan has second-row captain’s chairs, with almost 33 cubic feet behind the third row seats and a full 83 cubic feet available behind the second row. The Chrysler minivans offer Stow ’n Go second-row seats that fold into the floor, or Swivel ’n Go seats that turn to face the rear, with an optional table that fits between the two rows, which the Routan does not appear to have inherited.

The Volkswagen offers dual power-sliding doors with power windows, a power liftgate, and touch-screen navigation system with twenty-gig hard drive.

A minivan is a family room on wheels. To that end, the Routan has the prerequisite rear-seat entertainment system with two nine-inch screens for the second and third row, and wireless headsets.

Powertrain Partners

There is powertrain sharing as well. The Routan offers the top two engine choices found in the Chrysler minivans: the standard 3.8-liter pushrod V-6 (197 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque) or the newer and optional 4.0-liter V-6 (251-hp and 259 lb-ft of torque). Both are mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission. When Chrysler introduced its new minivans last year, it was the first in the segment to offer a six-speed automatic.

Volkswagen says it gave the Routan a European-tuned suspension and steering optimized for handling and improved driving dynamics. Well, we’ll have to wait until we get behind the wheel to verify those bold claims. The minivan also comes with standard traction control and ESP.

Under the partnership between VW and Chrysler, the Routan will be assembled alongside Caravan and Town & Country minivans at the Chrysler plant in Windsor, Ontario. Prototypes (testers that are not for sale) have already been running down the line.

As for the name, it is the word “route” with the suffix “an,” following the pattern set by the Touran and Sharan, both European minivans, as well as the Tiguan small SUV.